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Selected AbstractsEnhancement of haemostatic efficacy of plasma-derived FVIII by formulation with PEGylated liposomesHAEMOPHILIA, Issue 5 2009I. DAYAN Summary., We have shown previously that PEGylated liposomes (PEGLip) bind recombinant FVIII (rFVIII) with high affinity and specificity. This binding resulted in a significant extension of the biological activity of rFVIII as demonstrated in animal models and in clinical trials. In the present study we found that PEGLip bind plasma-derived factor VIII (pdFVIII). PEGLip binding did not affect potency or stability in vitro and did not alter levels of FVIII activity in vivo immediately after injection. However, formulation of pdFVIII with PEGLip led to several important improvements. Twenty-four and 30 hours after injection, FVIII activity levels were significantly higher in haemophilic mice injected with PEGLip-pdFVIII than in mice injected with standard pdFVIII. Half life, area under the curve and mean residence time were increased while clearance was decreased. In vivo efficacy was evaluated in a tail vein transection assay performed in haemophilic mice. Prophylactic treatment with PEGLip-pdFVIII was much more effective in prolonging survival in this assay than similar treatment with standard pdFVIII. These results suggest that formulation of pdFVIII with PEGLip has the potential to improve patient care by prolonging the biological efficacy of pdFVIII and reducing the frequency of FVIII infusions. [source] Deslipping of Ester Rotaxanes: A Cooperative Interplay of Hydrogen Bonding with Rotational BarriersEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF ORGANIC CHEMISTRY, Issue 24 2003Petra Linnartz Abstract A series of rotaxanes has been synthesized which contain two ester groups in their axles. All rotaxanes bear the same tetralactam wheel. The kinetics of the de-slipping reaction of these rotaxanes were monitored in tetrachloroethane (TCE) and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) resulting in the observation of a significant solvent effect. In TCE, two isomeric rotaxanes that differ merely with respect to the orientation of the ester groups show a remarkable difference in their deslipping behavior. When the ester carbonyl group is directly attached to the axle center piece, the rotaxane decomposes with a half life of ca. 10 h at 100 °C. The reverse orientation with the carbonyl group attached to the stopper blocks deslipping almost completely and a lower limit for the half life at 100 °C of 25,000 h was obtained. These results can be interpreted by inferring a cooperative action of hydrogen bonding between wheel and axle and differences in rotational barriers. Molecular modeling and AM1 calculations support this interpretation. The implications of these results for the determination of steric size and the optimization of molecular machines are discussed. (© Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2003) [source] Temperature-Sensitive Nanocapsules for Controlled Drug Release Caused by Magnetically Triggered Structural DisruptionADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 4 2009Ting-Yu Liu Abstract Self-assembled nanocapsules containing a hydrophilic core and a crosslinked yet thermosensitive shell are successfully prepared using poly(ethylene-oxide)-poly(propylene-oxide)-poly(ethylene-oxide) block copolymers, 4-nitrophenyl chloroformate, gelatin, and 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide. The core is further rendered magnetic by incorporating iron oxide nanoparticles via internal precipitation to enable externally controlled actuation under magnetic induction. The spherical nanocapsules exhibit a hydrophilic-to-hydrophobic transition at a characteristic but tunable temperature reaching 40,°C, triggering a size contraction and shrinkage of the core. The core content experiences very little leakage at 25,°C, has a half life about 5,h at 45,°C, but bursts out within a few minutes under magnetic heating due to iron oxide coarsening and core/shell disruption. Such burst-like response may be utilized for controlled drug release as illustrated here using a model drug Vitamin B12. [source] Induction of cytotoxicity in human lung adenocarcinoma cells by 6- O -carboxypropyl-,-tocotrienol, a redox-silent derivative of ,-tocotrienolINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CANCER, Issue 5 2005Yoshihisa Yano Abstract Tocotrienols are one of the most potent anticancer agents of all natural compounds and the anticancer property may be related to the inactivation of Ras family molecules. The anticancer potential of tocotrienols, however, is weakened due to its short elimination half life in vivo. To overcome the disadvantage and reinforce the anticancer activity in tocotrienols, we synthesized a redox-silent analogue of ,-tocotrienol (T3), 6- O -carboxypropyl-,-tocotrienol (T3E). We estimated the possibility of T3E as a new anticancer agent against lung adenocarcinoma showing poor prognosis based on the mutation of ras gene. T3E showed cytotoxicity against A549 cells, a human lung adenocarcinoma cell line with a ras gene mutation, in a dose-dependent manner (0,40 ,M), whereas T3 and a redox-silent analogue of ,-tocopherol (T), 6- O -carboxypropyl-,-tocopherol (TE), showed much less cytotoxicity in cells within 40 ,M. T3E cytotoxicity was based on the accumulation of cells in the G1-phase of the cell-cycle and the subsequent induction of apoptosis. Similar to this event, 24-hr treatment of A549 cells with 40 ,M T3E caused the inhibition of Ras farnesylation, and a marked decrease in the levels of cyclin D required for G1/S progression in the cell-cycle and Bcl-xL, a key anti-apoptotic molecule. Moreover, the T3E-dependent inhibition of RhoA geranyl-geranylation is an inducing factor for the occurrence of apoptosis in A549 cells. Our results suggest that T3E suppresses Ras and RhoA prenylation, leading to negative growth control against A549 cells. In conclusion, a redox-silent analogue of T3, T3E may be a new candidate as an anticancer agent against lung adenocarcinoma showing poor prognosis based on the mutation of ras genes. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Liraglutide: can it make a difference in the treatment of type 2 diabetes?INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PRACTICE, Issue 2010J. Unger Summary Despite advances in the management of type 2 diabetes, glycaemic control remains suboptimal for many patients because of the complexities of disease progression and the need to balance improved glycaemic control against adverse treatment effects, particularly weight gain and hypoglycaemia. Thus, the development of new antidiabetes therapies continues in earnest. Incretin hormones have been the recent focus of research, as they account for up to 70% of the insulin response following a meal. There is also a high concordance between the physiological actions of one hormone, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), and the therapeutic needs of patients. As native human GLP-1 has a half life of only approximately 2 min, researchers have developed molecules that act as GLP-1 receptor agonists or inhibit the enzyme responsible for GLP-1 degradation (dipeptidyl peptidase-4). Liraglutide, a human GLP-1 analogue sharing 97% of its amino acid sequence identity with native GLP-1, has been approved for use as monotherapy (not in Europe) and in combination with selected oral agents. In this supplement, we summarise key liraglutide data, offer practical insight into what we might expect of liraglutide in clinical use and examine selected case studies. For reasons of the safety and efficacy of GLP-1 receptor agonists, many thought leaders believe that these will become background therapy for majority of patients in the coming years. This supplement will serve as a resource from which readers can extract information concerning the potential benefits for patients who are overweight, losing pancreatic beta-cell function and drifting towards the ravaging effects of chronic hyperglycaemia. [source] Determination of glycyrrhetic acid in human plasma by HPLC-MS method and investigation of its pharmacokineticsJOURNAL OF CLINICAL PHARMACY & THERAPEUTICS, Issue 3 2008W.-J. Zhao PhD Summary Objective:, To develop a high performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) method for the determination of the glycyrrhetic acid (GA) in human plasma and for the investigation of its pharmacokinetics after the oral administration of 150 mg diammonium glycyrrhizinate test and reference capsule formulations. Methods:, The GA in plasma was extracted with ethyl acetate, separated on a C18 column with a mobile phase of methanol (5 mmol/L ammonium acetate),water (85 : 15, V/V) and analysed using a MS detector. Ursolic acid (UA) was used as internal standard. The target ions were m/z 469·5 for GA and m/z 455·6 for UA, the fragment voltages were 200 V and 100 V for GA and UA respectively. Results:, The calibration curve was linear over the range of 0·5,200 ng/mL (r = 0·9974). The limit of quantification for GA in plasma was 0·5 ng/mL, the recovery was 76·0,80·0%, and the inter- and intra-day relative standard deviations (RSD) were <12%. The pharmacokinetic parameters of GA after a single dose of 150 mg diammonium glycyrrhizinate test and reference were as follows: the half life (t1/2) 9·65 ± 3·54 h and 9·46 ± 2·85 h, the time to peak concentration (Tmax) 10·95 ± 1·32 h and 11·00 ± 1·30 h, the peak concentration (Cmax) 95·57 ± 43·06 ng/mL and 103·89 ± 49·24 ng/mL; the area under time-concentration curve (AUC0,48 and AUC0,,) 1281·84 ± 527·11 ng·h/mL and 1367·74 ± 563·27 ng·h/mL, 1314·32 ± 566·40 ng·h/mL and 1396·97 ± 630·06 ng·h/mL. The relative bioavailability of diammonium glycyrrhizinate capsule was 98·88 ± 12·98%. Conclusion:, The assay was sensitive, accurate and convenient, and can be used for the determination of GA in human plasma. Comparison of the bioavailability and pharmacokinetic profile of GA indicated that the test and reference capsules were bioequivalent. [source] Minimum Bedrock Exposure Ages and Their Implications: Larsemann Hills and Neighboring Bolingen Islands, East AntarcticaACTA GEOLOGICA SINICA (ENGLISH EDITION), Issue 3 2010Feixin HUANG Abstract: Considerable controversy exists over whether or not extensive glaciation occurred during the global Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) in the Larsemann Hills. In this study we use the in situ produced cosmogenic nuclide 10Be (half life 1.51 Ma) to provide minimum exposure ages for six bedrock samples and one erratic boulder in order to determine the last period of deglaciation in the Larsemann Hills and on the neighboring Bolingen Islands. Three bedrock samples taken from Friendship Mountain (the highest peak on the Mirror Peninsula, Larsemann Hills; ,2 km from the ice sheet) have minimum exposure ages ranging from 40.0 to 44.7 ka. The erratic boulder from Peak 106 (just at the edge of the ice sheet) has a younger minimum exposure age of only 8.8 ka. The minimum exposure ages for two bedrock samples from Blundell Peak (the highest peak on Stornes Peninsula, Larsemann Hills; ,2 km from the ice sheet) are about 17 and 18 ka. On the Bolingen Islands (southwest to the Larsemann Hills; ,10 km from the ice sheet), the minimum exposure age for one bedrock sample is similar to that at Friendship Mountain (i.e., 44 ka). Our results indicate that the bedrock exposure in the Larsemann Hills and on the neighboring Bolingen Islands commenced obviously before the global LGM (i.e., 20,22 ka), and the bedrock erosion rates at the Antarctic coast areas may be obviously higher than in the interior land. [source] Positron emission tomography of [18F]-big endothelin-1 reveals renal excretion but tissue-specific conversion to [18F]-endothelin-1 in lung and liverBRITISH JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY, Issue 4 2010Peter Johnström Background and purpose:, Big endothelin-1 (ET-1) circulates in plasma but does not bind to ET receptors until converted to ET-1 by smooth muscle converting enzymes. We hypothesized that tissue-specific conversion of [18F]-big ET-1 to [18F]-ET-1 could be imaged dynamically in vivo within target organs as binding to ET receptors. Methods:, [18F]-big ET-1 conversion imaged in vivo following infusion into rats using positron emission tomography (PET). Key results:, [18F]-big ET-1 was rapidly cleared from the circulation (t1/2= 2.9 ± 0.1 min). Whole body microPET images showed highest uptake of radioactivity in three major organs. In lungs and liver, time activity curves peaked within 2.5 min, then plateaued reaching equilibrium after 10 min, with no further decrease after 120 min. Phosphoramidon did not alter half life of [18F]-big ET-1 but uptake was reduced in lung (42%) and liver (45%) after 120 min, consistent with inhibition of enzyme conversion and reduction of ET-1 receptor binding. The ETA antagonist, FR139317 did not alter half-life of [18F]-big ET-1 (t1/2= 2.5 min) but radioactivity was reduced in all tissues except for kidney consistent with reduction in binding to ETA receptors. In kidney, however, the peak in radioactivity was higher but time to maximum accumulation was slower (,30 min), which was increased by phosphoramidon, reflecting renal excretion with low conversion and binding to ET receptors. Conclusions and implications:, A major site for conversion was within the vasculature of the lung and liver, whereas uptake in kidney was more complex, reflecting excretion of [18F]-big ET-1 without conversion to ET-1. This article is part of a themed section on Imaging in Pharmacology. To view the editorial for this themed section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1476-5381.2010.00685.x [source] 2165: Microplasmin as an antiscarring agent for glaucoma surgery: translation into clinical applicationACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 2010E VANDEWALLEArticle first published online: 23 SEP 2010 Purpose Previously Microplasmin was investigated in a rabbit model for trabeculectomy. The combination of intracameral injections and topical drops of Microplasmin improved surgical outcome. The aqueous solution of Microplasmin used, was not optimized for use as drops or injections. Microplasmin is an autocatalytic enzyme which has a short half life when it is brought in conditions of 37°C and physiological pH. Therefore there is need for a more stable and longer acting formulation. Methods Firstly we will do pharmacological experiments to determine the rheological characterization of drug carriers with Carrier-med rheometer. Then we will define the purity of Microplasmin bulk drug substance by RP-HPLC. Finally, we will check the Microplasmin activity in the new obtained solutions by spectrophotometer. Secondly we will perform trabeculectomy in a rabbit model and administer the most qualified and optimized formulations. Postoperative clinical evaluation of IOP, bleb area, conjunctival vascularity and anterior chamber assessment will be performed. The eyes will be immunohistological investigated for collagen and inflammation. Conclusion Our previous data learned that the combination therapy of Microplasmin improved surgical outcome in a rabbit model, despite the fact that the formulation of Microplasmin was not optimized for use as drops or injections. Our proposed research project will optimize the formulation of Microplasmin for extended drug delivery and determine the optimal administration route and regimen. We believe that this project will allow us to further improve the positive animal data, translate this novel antifibrotic adjunctive therapy into clinical application, and thus improve the outcome after trabeculectomy in patients. [source] Emerging pollutants in the North Sea in comparison to Lake Ontario, Canada, dataENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY & CHEMISTRY, Issue 6 2007Jens Arne Andresen Abstract In the present study, the concentrations and fate of contaminants such as organophosphate flame retardants and plasticizers, musk compounds such as galaxolide (HHCB), tonalide (AHTN), musk ketone and musk xylene, the bactericide triclosan, as well as the metabolites HHCB-lactone and triclosan-methyl were compared in the aqueous phase of the German Bight (North Sea). The concentrations of these compounds were around 1 to 10 ng/L in nearshore areas, and the concentrations were lower in the more pristine areas. The highest concentrations were determined for tris-(2-chloro- isopropyl) phosphate in the North Sea with concentration exceeding 10 ng/L even for the offshore samples. The samples contained 1 to 20 ng/L chlorinated organophosphates, approximately 1 ng/L nonchlorinated organophosphates, and 0.3 to 3 ng/L fragrance compounds. Some samples from Lake Ontario (Canada) were analyzed in comparison. Per capita emissions were calculated for both regions. These emissions were compared and turned out to be very similar for the Canadian and German locations. For the North Sea, some observations concerning stability, dilution, and degradation, as well as sources of the respective substances, were performed. These data indicate that the chlorinated organophosphates and some musk fragrances exhibit half lives exceeding the residence times and thus can be considered to be persistent in this ecosystem. In the German Bight, the river Elbe is the dominating source for the more hydrophilic compounds, such as chlorinated organophosphate flame retardants, which are diluted only into the North Sea. However, for the more lipophilic compounds such as the musk fragrances, different input patterns as well as distribution patterns are relevant, though the river Elbe is still a major source of pollution to the German Bight of the North Sea. The data seem to indicate either relevant inputs further west of the sampling area or mobilization from the sediments. [source] Improving pharmacokinetic properties of adrenocorticotropin by site-specific lipid modificationJOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES, Issue 9 2003Lei Wan Abstract Although many peptides are potentially good therapeutic agents for treating various diseases, only a few have been developed for limited applications. A major shortcoming is that peptides have generally very short serum half lives. In the present study, we use adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) as a model and explore the potential of combining site-specific amino acid substitution and lipid modification to increase the circulating half-lives of peptides. Phe39 of ACTH was substituted by Cys, which has a free sulfhydryl group that can react specifically with iodoacetamide derivatives of lipophilic groups. The biological activities of lipophilized ACTH(F39C)s were higher than native ACTH. Lipophilized ACTH(F39C)s bound more tightly to human serum albumin and cell membranes in vitro and had longer serum half-lives in vivo than native ACTH. These results indicate that the pharmacokinetic properties of peptides can be improved by site-specific substitution with cysteine residues and subsequent conjugation with lipophilic moieties. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association J Pharm Sci 92:1882,1892, 2003 [source] On the Role of Iron and one of its Chelating Agents in the Production of Protoporphyrin IX Generated by 5-Aminolevulinic Acid and its Hexyl Ester Derivative Tested on an Epidermal Equivalent of Human SkinPHOTOCHEMISTRY & PHOTOBIOLOGY, Issue 4 2006Pascal Uehlinger ABSTRACT Photodynamic therapy (PDT) with 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) or its derivatives as precursors of protoporphyrin IX (PPIX) is routinely used in dermatology for the treatment of various pathologies. However, this methodology suffers to some extent from a limited efficacy. Therefore, the main goal of this study was to investigate the modulation and pharma-cokinetics of PPIX buildup after a 5 h incubation with ALA (1.5 mM) and one of its derivatives, the hexyl ester of ALA (h-ALA) (1.5 mM), on the human epidermal equivalent EpidexÔ. PPIX production was modulated with (L+) ascorbic acid iron (II) salt (LAI) or the iron (II)-specific chelating agent deferoxamine (DFO). PPIX fluorescence from the EpidexÔ layers was measured up to 150 h after the precursor administration using a microspectrofluorometer (,ex: 400 ± 20 nm; ,det: 635 nm). The maximum PPIX fluorescence intensity induced by h-ALA was about 1.7x larger than that induced by ALA. The addition of DFO resulted in a more than 50% increase in PPIX fluorescence for both precursors. The decay half life measured for PPIX fluorescence is 30 and 42.5 h, respectively, for ALA and h-ALA. These half lives are doubled when the samples contain DFO. In the samples with the highest fluorescence intensity, a modified fluorescence spectrum was observed after 10 h, with the emergence of a peak at 590 nm, which is attributed to zinc protoporphyrin IX (Zn PPIX). [source] |